How to Reduce Lung Inflammation

This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician in Pennsylvania. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

There are 34 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Lung (pulmonary) inflammation affects the airways and lung tissue. Caused by the body’s immune response to injury or pathogens, inflammation can be acute (short-lasting) or chronic (long-lasting) in nature. Diseases associated with acute lung inflammation include acute lung infections, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Diseases associated with chronic lung inflammation include emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Anyone can develop lung inflammation, but there are certain risk factors that increase one’s chances of developing this condition. These same risk factors can also make lung inflammation worse once a person has the condition.

Reduce your exposure to fungal and bacterial pathogens. Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease. Certain species of bacteria and fungi can cause lung inflammation. Exposure to some of these pathogens is associated with occupational or environmental conditions. For example “Hot Tub Lung,” and “Farmer’s Lung” are common names for two kinds of mold-related lung inflammation. [1] Mold can grow almost anywhere that is moist enough. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “the key to mold control is moisture control.” [2]

To help prevent mold in your home, keep the humidity between 30-60%. [3]

If you find mold, clean the affected surface with a detergent and dry the surface completely.

Reduce your exposure and susceptibility to viral pathogens. Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, which is infection and inflammation of the lungs. [4] Most cases of influenza do not lead to pneumonia, but those that do can be very serious. Influenza and pneumonia can both be prevented with vaccines.

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if you are a candidate for influenza and/or pneumonia vaccinations.

Avoid contact with people with influenza and/or pneumonia.

If you must come into contact with people with influenza and/or pneumonia, wear appropriate protection, such as a mask, gloves, or gown.

Reduce your exposure to ambient air pollutants. Ambient air pollutants are found outdoors, and originate from natural processes, fires, and industrial operations. Six pollutants are designated as criteria air pollutants by the EPA. These include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and lead. These are monitored by the EPA and are subject to a number of regulations. [5] Particles smaller than 10 micrometers are particularly harmful, as they can get deep into the lungs. Exposure can be particularly problematic for those with pre-existing lung conditions.

You can monitor the Air Quality Index in the region where you live. This information and some guidelines for exposure are available at http://www.airnow.gov/.

If you are going to be in an environment where there are aerosolized particles or chemical vapors, it is important to wear proper protective equipment.

Get fitted for a mask or respirator. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines about which masks or respirators are best for certain exposures.

Reduce your exposure to indoor air pollutants. Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause headaches, fatigue, and a number of other non-specific symptoms. This sometimes causes entire buildings of workers to fall ill. Commonly encountered indoor air pollutants include combustion products, volatile organic compounds, and formaldehyde. [6]

Educate yourself about your medical conditions. In order to understand how your medical conditions may be related to lung inflammation, it is important to educate yourself. There are many helpful resources available on the internet, including Mayo Clinic, The American Lung Association, The American Heart Association, Cancer.gov, and Cancer.org. These resources have information written specifically for the layperson.

Write down your diagnoses or have your healthcare provider write down your diagnoses.

Discuss your current medications with your physician. Chemotherapy, radiation, and some medications can contribute to lung inflammation. There are other medications available that can help reduce lung inflammation, if you have been diagnosed with this condition. It is important to know what the risks from any medications or treatments are.

Write down, or have your healthcare provider write down, the names of all of your medications and treatments.

Ask for resources to read about the specific drugs and treatments you may be receiving.

Inquire about medications available to reduce lung inflammation. There are a number of medications available that can be used to treat lung inflammation and associated conditions. The type of medication used for treatment depends on your particular diagnosis. For example, if you have pneumonia, you’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics that will help destroy pathogens causing the infection. If you have lung fibrosis, there are fewer drug options to slow the disease, but new therapies are entering the drug market. A list of drugs that can reduce lung inflammation or are used to treat related diseases are shown below.

Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung inflammation, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and lung cancer. Chemicals contained in smoke are not only cancer causing, but also change how the immune system functions. [27] Quitting smoking can be challenging, but with the correct support and planning, it is possible. There are many factors which may contribute to lung inflammation over which you have no control, but smoking is not one of them — quitting is something you can actively do to help keep your lungs healthy.

Consider writing down your goals and what you don’t like about smoking.

Gather a support system. Discuss your plans to quit smoking with you friends and family. Surround yourself with those who can support you.

Consult a smoking cessation professional. Smoking cessation professionals can help you create a plan of attack to be successful.

Keep your immune system healthy. A major risk factor for developing pneumonia is a weakened or suppressed immune system. Those individuals who have HIV/AIDS, are organ transplant recipients, or who have been on long-term steroid therapy are at highest risk. There are some steps you can take to ensure your immune system is functioning as well as it can.

Ensure you have adequate intake of Vitamin C. Vitamin C and zinc have been shown to improve the human immune system and also to improve the outcome of pneumonia and other infections. [28]

Get enough sleep. Studies have shown that individuals who do not get enough sleep are more susceptible to infections and recover more slowly after becoming ill. [29]

Maintain a healthy weight. Though no study in humans has directly linked lung inflammation to obesity, studies in animals demonstrate a link between inflammation in the lungs and chemicals produced by fat tissue. It is thought that obesity can also increase susceptibility to infections and lung damage caused by environmental factors.[30]

Get 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Brisk walking and swimming are examples of moderate exercise.[31]

Plan to eat healthy. Eat foods high in nutrient content. Avoid processed foods and alcohol. If you need help creating a healthy eating plan, talk to a dietician.[32]

Be consistent. Sticking with your healthy eating plan, exercise, and surrounding yourself with a support group can make long-term success a reality.

Exercise your lungs, especially following surgery. The muscles surrounding your lungs can be strengthened with exercise. This can prevent infections and pneumonia, for which many people are at risk following surgery.[33] Taking deep, even breaths can keep your lungs clear of secretions and can strengthen your lungs. In some cases, you will receive an incentive spirometer and a list of exercises. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations with regard to exercising your lungs.

Not necessarily. It depends on what is the cause of your condition. Some pollens, especially grasses, will increase with summer heat. Molds and fungi can increase if humidity accompanies the heat. If allergies aren't involved, then hot and dry can be helpful for some conditions, while hot and low humidity is better for others.

Warnings

The most common symptom of lung inflammation is shortness of breath. [34] If you experience this symptom, see your healthcare provider. Left untreated, lung inflammation can lead to life-threatening illness.

You can reduce lung inflammation by ensuring you get plenty of sleep, which will help your immune system recover from an infection. Additionally, you should try exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight, since obesity can increase your risk of developing a lung infection. Besides taking care of your body, you should be wary of factors in your environment, such as mold and mildew, that can cause lung infections. If you think your house may have mold, try using a dehumidifier or cleaning your walls and ceiling thoroughly. If your lung inflammation doesn’t improve after a couple weeks, ask your doctor about taking medicine to treat the disease.